FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Honda/Civic/10th Generation (2016-2021)/why does my Honda Civic smell like burning oil

why does my Honda Civic smell like burning oil

Honda Civic 10th Generation (2016-2021)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
3 min read
509 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix burning oil smell in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Component
Engine
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
  • ⚠Allow engine to cool before opening the oil cap or drain plug to avoid burns.

Symptoms

  • •Burning oil smell in the cabin or around the engine bay
  • •Oil spots or stains on the ground where the vehicle is parked
  • •Engine overheating or running hotter than normal
  • •Increased oil consumption between oil changes
  • •Check engine light may be illuminated (depending on severity)

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Inspect the engine bay for visible oil leaks around gaskets and seals.
  2. 2Check the oil dipstick to verify oil level and condition (color and smell).
  3. 3Inspect the oil filter for signs of leaks or improper installation.
  4. 4Examine the valve cover gasket for signs of deterioration or leaks.
  5. 5Use a UV dye in the oil to identify leaks if none are visible.
  6. 6Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner, if applicable.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
  • Gather all necessary tools and parts.
  • Disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical short circuits.

2. Inspect and Replace Seals

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Remove any engine covers if necessary for access.
    2. Inspect the valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket for leaks.
    3. If a leak is found, remove the old gasket using a scraper and clean the surface.
    4. Install a new valve cover gasket or oil pan gasket, ensuring proper alignment.
    5. Torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque values.

3. Check and Replace Oil Filter

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Locate the oil filter and inspect for leaks.
    2. If leaking, use an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter.
    3. Apply a thin layer of new oil to the rubber seal of the new filter.
    4. Install the new oil filter by hand until snug, then tighten according to manufacturer specifications.

4. Perform Oil Change

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Drain the old oil by removing the drain plug located at the oil pan.
    2. Allow oil to fully drain into a container.
    3. Replace the drain plug and torque to manufacturer specifications.
    4. Refill the engine with new oil, using the correct type and amount specified in the owner's manual.

5. Final Checks

  • Sub-steps:
    1. Reconnect the battery.
    2. Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes.
    3. Check for any oil leaks around the newly installed components.
    4. If leaks are present, recheck the installation of the gaskets and filter.

Tools Required:

  • Socket set
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Torque wrench
  • Oil catch pan
  • Scraper
  • OBD-II scanner (if needed)

Parts Required:

  • New valve cover gasket
  • New oil pan gasket (if applicable)
  • New oil filter
  • Engine oil (specified type and quantity)

Estimated Repair Time: 2-4 hours

Safety Warnings:

  • Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
  • Allow engine to cool before opening the oil cap or drain plug to avoid burns.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Socket set
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Torque wrench
  • Oil catch pan
  • Scraper
  • OBD-II scanner

Parts Required

  • New valve cover gasket
  • New oil pan gasket (if applicable)
  • New oil filter
  • Engine oil (specified type and quantity)

Additional Information

Component

Engine

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

6 items

Parts

4 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. why does my Honda Civic pull to the right while driving

    Learn how to diagnose and fix the issue of your Honda Civic pulling to the right. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instruction...

    Component:Suspension
    Symptoms
    • •Vehicle consistently drifts to the right during straight driving.
    • •Uneven tire wear on the front tires.
    • +{count} more
  2. why does my Honda Civic shake and vibrate when I accelerate

    Learn how to diagnose and fix shaking and vibration during acceleration in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instr...

    Component:Suspension
    Symptoms
    • •Shaking or vibrating felt in the steering wheel
    • •Vibration through the floorboard or seats
    • +{count} more
  3. why does my Honda Civic have a rough idle when cold

    Learn how to diagnose and fix rough idle issues in Honda Civic when cold. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Rough engine idle when the vehicle is cold
    • •Engine stalling shortly after starting
    • +{count} more
  4. why does my Honda Civic make a knocking sound when turning?

    Learn how to diagnose and fix knocking sound when turning in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Suspension
    Symptoms
    • •Knocking noise when steering left or right
    • •Noise increases with speed
    • +{count} more
  5. my Honda Civic won't start and just clicks when I turn the key

    Learn how to diagnose and fix a no-start condition in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

    Component:Electrical
    Symptoms
    • •Clicking noise heard when turning the key
    • •Dashboard lights may flicker or dim
    • +{count} more
  6. why is my Honda Civic engine making a knocking noise?

    Learn how to diagnose and fix engine knocking noise in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Knocking or tapping noise from the engine compartment
    • •Loss of engine power during acceleration
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation